Autologous Stem Cells Transplantation in Egyptian Patients with Liver Cirrhosis on Top of Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesUse of pluripotent stem cells is an ideal solution for liver insufficiencies. This work aims is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of autologous stem cells transplantation (SCT) in Egyptian patients of liver cirrhosis on top of hepatitis C virus (HCV).Subjects and Results20 patients with HCV induced liver cirrhosis were divided into 2 groups. Group I: included 10 patients with liver cirrhosis Child score ≥9, for whom autologous stem cell transplantation was done using granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for stem cells mobilization. Separation and collection of the peripheral blood stem cells was done by leukapheresis. G-CSF mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (G-CSF PB-MNCs) were counted by flow cytometry. Stem cell injection into the hepatic artery was done. Group II: included 10 patients with HCV induced liver cirrhosis as a control group. Follow up and comparison between both groups were done over a follow up period of 6 months. The procedure was well tolerated. Mobilization was successful and the total number of G-CSF PB-MNCs in the harvests ranged from 25×106 to 191×106. There was improvement in the quality of life, serum albumin, total bilirubin, liver enzymes and the Child-Pugh score of group I over the first two-three months after the procedure.ConclusionSCT in HCV induced liver cirrhosis is a safe procedure. It can improve the quality of life and hepatic functions transiently with no effect on the life expectancy or the fate of the liver cirrhosis.

A case report of congenital glycogen storage liver cirrhosis treated with bone marrow derived stem cells

“…The blood counts varied slightly after the procedure but no significant cytopenias were noted. The duration of response has been significant and longer than reported in the literature (12)(13)(14).…”

“…They reported improvement of the liver function tests and stabilization of the liver-related symptoms over the following 6 months (12). Al Tayeb et al showed efficacy and safety of autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C infections (13). Yannaki et al proved the safety and efficacy of mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) Figure 1 The variation of the liver parameters over time.…”

“…The improvement is usually demonstrated by monitoring the liver function tests, the Child-Pugh and MELD scores, reduction in the ascites buildup, encephalopathy, and the quality of life (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”

Hepatitis C virus core protein induces hepatic steatosis via Sirt1‐dependent pathway

“…HCV infection alters lipid metabolism and leads to dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis and advanced fibrosis . Persistent viral infections tend to induce liver dysfunction and may further result in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma . Hepatic steatosis is one of the primary aetiologies of induced liver diseases.…”

“…3 Persistent viral infections tend to induce liver dysfunction and may further result in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. 4,5 Hepatic steatosis is one of the primary aetiologies of induced liver diseases. Compared to other chronic liver diseases, the occurrence of hepatic steatosis is prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis C. 6 The core protein of HCV localizes to the surface of lipid droplets and contributes to hepatic steatosis by interfering with intracellular lipid metabolism.…”